[0001] This invention relates to a catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas and an exhaust
gas purifying system. More particularly, it relates to an exhaust gas purifying catalyst
for simultaneously divesting the exhaust gas from the internal-combustion engine such
as on an automobile of such noxious components as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons
(HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and an exhaust gas purifying system.
[0002] Various inventions have been proposed concerning exhaust gas purifying catalysts
capable of removing noxious components from the exhaust gas which issues from the
internal-combustion engine.
[0003] Heretofore, it has been universally known that palladium catalysts possess high heat-resistance
and exhibit great purifying ability to the CO and HC in the oxidizing atmosphere [the
so-called lean portion in which the air fraction is larger in the air/fuel mixture
(A/F)] of the exhaust gas from the engine. They nevertheless have the disadvantage
that they are deficient in the NOx purifying ability in the reducing atmosphere [the
so-called rich portion in which the fuel fraction is larger in the air/fuel mixture
(A/F)] of the engine exhaust gas. Thus, the palladium catalysts are used only on the
lean side of the atmosphere in the form of a so-called oxidizing catalyst. Otherwise,
they are used in the form of a three-way catalyst combining the palladium with rhodium,
a substance possessing great NOx purifying ability, and effecting simultaneous removal
of CO, HC, and NOx.
[0004] Since rhodium is very expensive, a desire has been expressed in the industry to decrease
the amount of rhodium to be used as a catalyst component or avoid completely the use
of rhodium as such. Since rhodium is characterized by possessing great NOx purifying
ability, however, it constitutes itself an indispensable component for an exhaust
gas purifying catalyst to be used for simultaneous removal of carbon monoxide (CO),
hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
[0005] An object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a novel exhaust gas purifying
catalyst and an exhaust gas purifying system.
[0006] Another object of this invention is to provide an exhaust gas purifying catalyst
capable of simultaneously removing the three components, CO, HC, and NOx, at an extremely
small application rate without requiring use of rhodium and an exhaust gas purifying
system.
[0007] These objects are accomplished by an exhaust gas purifying catalyst for simultaneous
removal of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas
of the internal-combustion engine, which catalyst is obtained by depositing on a monolithic
carrier a mixture comprising a catalytically active component comprising 0.5 to 30
g of palladium, 0.1 to 50 g of an alkaline earth metal oxide, 10 to 150 g of cerium
oxide, and 0.1 to 50 g of zirconium oxide and 10 to 300 g of an activated alumnina
per liter of the catalyst.
[0008] These objects are further accomplished by an exhaust gas purifying system using on
the exhaust gas inlet side thereof a catalyst obtained by depositing on a monolithic
carrier a mixture comprising a catalytically active component comprising 0.5 to 30
g of palladium, 0.2 to 50 g of an alkaline earth metal oxide, 10 to 150 g of cerium
oxide, and 0.1 to 50 g of zirconium oxide and 10 to 300 g of a refractory inorganic
oxide activated alumina per liter of the catalyst and on the exhaust gas outlet side
thereof a catalyst obtained by depositing on a monolithic carrier a mixture comprising
a catalytically active component comprising (a) rhodium and platinum or (b) rhodium,
platinum, and palladium and the refractory inorganic oxide.
[0009] These objects are also accomplished by an exhaust gas purifying system using on the
exhaust gas inlet side thereof a catalyst obtained by depositing on monolithic carrier
a mixture comprising a catalytically active component comprising (a) rhodium and platinum
or (b) rhodium, platinum, and palladium and the refractory inorganic oxide and on
the exhaust gas outlet side thereof a catalyst obtained by depositing on a monolithic
carrier a mixture comprising a catalytically active component comrising 0.5 to 30
g of palladium, 0.1 to 50 g of an alkaline earth metal oxide, 10 to 150 g of cerium
oxide, and 0.1 to 50 g of zirconium oxide and 10 to 300 g of an activated alumina
per liter of the catalyst.
[0010] The exhaust gas purifying catalyst according to this invention is produced by depositing
on a a monolithic carrier a mixture which comprises a catalytically active component
consisting of palladium, an alkaline earth metal oxide, a cerium oxide, and zirconium
oxide and an activated alumina.
[0011] It is suspected that the addition of an alkaline earth metal oxide is effective in
heightening the reactivity of the catalytically active component by the added oxide
directly acting on palladium and varying the state of electric charge thereof. This
effect of the alkaline earth metal oxide is further enhanced by the use of a cerium
oxide and a zirconium oxide. Furher, heat resistance and purifying ratio of crossover
point increase by increasing the amount of these oxides.
[0012] This invention has originated in a knowledge that the combination of palladium with
an alkaline earth metal oxide, a cerium oxide, and a zirconium oxide not only brings
about a notable improvement in the palladium catalyst's NOx purifying ability otherwise
manifested insufficiently on the rich side of the engine exhaust gas but also improves
the catalyst's ability to purge the exhaust gas of CO, HC, and NOx even when the fuel
gas composition closely approximates the stoichiometric ratio (containing air in an
amount required for complete combustion of the fuel gas). This invention has been
perfected as a result.
[0013] The amount of palladium to be used in the catalyst of this invention, though variable
with the conditions under which the catalyst is used, generally is in the range of
from 0.5 to 30 g, preferably from 0.5 to 25 g, per liter of the catalyst. If the amount
of palladium is less than 0.5 g, the produced catalyst is deficient in the purifying
ability. Conversely, if this amount exceeds 30 g, the excess brings about no proportionate
addition to the performance of the produced catalyst.
[0014] The position for the deposition of palladium is variable with the amount of palladium
to be used and the conditions under which the produced catalyst is used. The palladium
is deposited either selectively or otherwise on the zirconium oxide, the cerium oxide,
and the activated alumina.
[0015] The alkaline earth metals which are effectively usable herein include beryllium,
magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium. Particularly, at least one element selected
from the group consisting of calcium, strontium, and barium proves preferable. The
amount of the alkaline earth metal oxide to be used is in the range of from 0.1 to
50 g, preferably from 0.5 to 40 g, per liter of the catalyst. Since the alkaline earth
metal salt can be deposited on any of the cerium oxide, zirconium oxide, composite
thereof, and solid solution thereof, and an activated alumina, the method to be used
for the preparation of this alkaline earth metal salt is not particularly limited.
[0016] The precursor of the alkaline earth metal oxide may be an oxide, an organic salt,
or an inorganic salt. This invention does not particularly discriminate the alkaline
earth metal oxide on account of its precursor. Typical examples of the precursor are
barium acetate, barium oxalate, barium nitrate, barium hydroxide, and barium carbonate.
As respects the state of aggregation of this precursor, the precursor may be in the
form of an aqueous solution, a gel, a suspension, or a solid.
[0017] The weight ratio of the alkaline earth metal to palladium is in the range of from
1 : 100 to 150 : 1, (alkaline earch metal oxide/palladium from 1 : 100 to 100 : 1,
and more preferably from 1 : 100 to 80 : 1. If the amount of the alkaline earth metal
oxide is smaller than 1 : 100, the produced catalyst is deficient in three way performance,
particularly the purifying ratio of N0. If the amount of the alkaline earth metal
oxide exceeds 150 : 1, though the excess goes to improving the effect of addition
of this oxide, it imposes a limit on the ratios and amounts of other oxides to be
deposited on account of the relation between the amounts of other oxides to be deposited
and the strength of the catalyst.
[0018] The cerium oxide is not particularly discriminated by the origin thereof. To be used
herein, it may be already in the form of an oxide or it may be prepared in the form
of an oxide by calcining a varying water-soluble salt of cerium. The amount of the
cerium oxide to be used is in the range of from 10 to 150 g, preferably from 20 to
140 g, per liter of the catalyst. If this amount is less than 10 g, the produced catalyst
is deficient in the purifying ability. Conversely, if the amount exceeds 150 g, the
excess brings about no proportionate addition to the effect thereof
[0019] The cerium oxide source to be used in this invention is not discriminated on account
of the kind of starting material so long as it is allowed to exist as cerium dioxide
(CeO
2) in the catalyst. For example, CeO
2, cerium carbonate, and cerium hydroxide which are available in the market can be
used. A cerium salt solution such as, for example, an aqueous cerium nitrate solution
may be deposited by impregnation on the activated alumina. The water-insoluble cerium
compounds which are effectively usable herein include cerium oxide, cerium hydroxide,
and cerium carbonate. The water-insoluble cerium compound is used in the form of a
fine powder.
[0020] The zirconium oxide is not particularly discriminated on account of the kind of its
starting material. To be used herein, it may be already in the form of an oxide or
it may be prepared in the form of zirconium oxide by calcining a varying water-soluble
zirconium salt. The amount of the zirconium oxide to be used is in the range of from
0.1 to 50 g, preferably from 1 to 50 g, per liter of the catalyst. If this amount
is less than 0.1 g, the added zirconium oxide manifests no sufficient effect. If the
amount exceeds 50 g, the excess goes only to impairing the purifying ability of the
produced catalyst.
[0021] The cerium oxide and zirconium oxide are preferable to have at least part thereof
exist in the form of a composite or a solid solution in the catalyst. The ratio (weight
ratio as oxide) of the cerium oxide to the zirconium oxide is in the range of from
100 : 2 to 100 : 60, preferably from 100 : 4 to 100 : 40. If the proportion of the
cerium oxide is larger than 100 : 2, the excess impairs the produced catalyst in performance.
If the proportion of the zirconium oxide is larger than 100 : 60, the excess tends
to degrade the performance of the produced catalyst.
[0022] The methods which are available for the preparation of the composite or solid solution
of the cerium oxide and zirconium oxide are enumerated below. Though these methods
are not particularly discriminated so long as they are capable of enabling at least
part of the oxides to exist in the form of a composite or solid solution in the catalyst,
they are preferable to allow the oxides to satisfy the weight ratio defined above.
[0023] Specifically, (1) a method which comprises drying an aqueous solution of water-soluble
cerium salt and zirconium salt and calcining the resultant dried composite, (2) a
method which comprises subjecting a cerium oxide and a zirconium oxide to a solid-phase
reaction, (3) a method which comprises impregnating a cerium oxide with the aqueous
solution of a water-soluble zirconium salt and drying and calcining the resultant
product of impregnation, (4) a method which comprises impregnating an activated alumina
with the aqueous solution of water-soluble cerium salt and zirconium salt and drying
the calcining the resultant product of impregnation, and (5) a method which comprises
coating a monolithic carrier with an activated alumina oxide, impregnating the coated
carrier with the aqueous solution of water-soluble cerium salt and zirconium salt,
and drying and calcining the resultant product of impregnation are typical examples.
One of these methods may be properly selected in due consideration of the suitability
thereof to the particular manner of preparation of the catalyst being contemplated.
[0024] The cerium oxide to be used in this invention is required to be such that it forms
crystals not more than 250 Å in diameter after it has been calcined in the air at
900°C for 10 hours. The cerium oxide which satisfies this requirement possesses thermal
stability and serves to improve the durability of the catalyst. If the crystals have
diameters exceeding 250 Å, the cerium oxide is deficient in thermal stability. The
diameters of these crystals are determined by combining the cerium oxide and zirconium
oxide so as to prepare a powder at least part of which is in the form of a composite
or solid solution thereof or optionally preparing a catalyst, then firing the powder
or the catalyst in the air at 900°C for 10 hours, subjecting a sample of the product
of calcination to X-ray diffraction analysis thereby obtaining an X-ray diffraction
chart, and performing a calculation using the half-value widths found in the chart.
[0025] The combination of the cerium oxide and zirconium oxide at least part of which forms
a composite or solid solution, after 10 hours calcinationfiring in the air at 900°C
and 30 minutes reduction with hydrogen at 500°C, is preferable to exhibit an oxygen
consumption at 400°C in the range of not less than 5 x 10⁻⁵ mol (calculated as 0
2) per g of the cerium oxide. If the oxygen consumption is less than 5 x 10⁻⁵ mol (calculated
as 0
2) per g of the cerium oxide, the produced catalyst is deficient in durability.
[0026] The determination of the oxygen consumption is performed with an ordinary flow type
pulse reaction device by calcinating in the air at 900°C for 10 hours the combination
of the cerium oxide and zirconium oxide at least part of which is in the form of a
composite or solid solution, packing the device with a prescribed amount of the resultant
powder, sweeping the powder with an inert gas, then reducing the powder with hydrogen
at 500°C for 30 minutes, again sweeping the reduced powder with the inert gas, cooling
the hot powder to 400°C, passing pulses of oxygen through the powder, measuring the
amount of oxygen consumed during the passage, and calculating the oxygen consumption
per g of the cerium oxide based on the result of the measurement.
[0027] The activated alumina is generally in a powdery form. These particles have a specific
surface area in the range of from 10 to 400 m
2/g, preferably from 50 to 300 m
2/g. The amount to be used is 10 to 300g preferably 50 to 250 g per liter of the catalyst.
That is, if it is less than 10g, purifying performance is insufficient, and if it
is more than 300g, back pressure of the catalyst increases, so it is not preferable.
The activated alumina means irregular alumina having crystal form such as χ, ρ, κ,
γ, δ, η or ϑ form.
[0028] In this invention, the aforementioned catalytically active component comprising palladium,
an alkaline earth metal oxide, a cerium oxide, and a zirconium oxide may further incorporate
therein a lanthanum oxide. This addition improves the result of the use of the catalyst.
[0029] The lanthanum oxide is not particularly discriminated on account of the particular
kind of its starting material. Either lanthanum oxide or a varying water-soluble salt
of lanthanum can be deposited either selectively or otherwise on an activated alumina,
the cerium oxide, and the zirconium oxide.
[0030] The amount of the lanthanum oxide to be used is in the range of from 0.1 to 50 g,
preferably from 0.5 to 30g per liter of the catalyst. If this amount is less than
0.1 g, the added lanthanum oxide produces only an insufficient effect. Conversely,
if the amount exceeds 50 g, the excess brings about no proportionate addition to the
effect.
[0031] In this case, the catalytic component which comprises (a) palladium and an alkaline
earth metal oxide, (b) a cerium oxide having zirconium and lanthanum deposited thereon,
and (c) an actvated alumina having cerium and zirconium deposited thereon is preferable
to be deposited on a carrier of a monolithic structure.
[0032] The position for the deposition of palladium is variable with the amount of palladium
to be used and the conditions under which the catalyst is used. The palladium is deposited
either selectively or otherwise on the zirconium oxide, cerium oxide, and lanthanum
oxide, and on an activated alumina.
[0033] The zirconium and lanthanum can be used in the form of water-soluble salts such as
nitrate and sulfate, in the form of a gel, or in the form of a suspended solution,
for example.
[0034] For the preparation of the cerium oxide having zirconium and lanthanum deposited
thereon, (1) a method which comprises simultaneously impregnating the cerium oxide
with the aqueous solution of the zirconium salt and lanthanum salt mentioned above
and drying and calcining the resultant product of impregnation, (2) a method which
comprises impregnating the cerium oxide first with the aqueous solution of a zirconium
salt and then with the aqueous solution of a lanthanum salt thereby depositing the
salts on the cerium oxide, and (3) a method which comprises impregnating the cerium
oxide first with the aqueous solution of a lanthanum salt and then with the aqueous
solution of a zirconium salt thereby depositing the salts on the cerium oxide are
available. One of these methods may be properly selected for the preparation under
discussion.
[0035] The zirconium which is thus deposited on the cerium oxide is preferable to have at
least part thereof form a composite or solid solution in conjunction with the cerium
oxide and/or lanthanum oxide.
[0036] The ratio (weight ratio as oxide) of the cerium oxide having zirconium and lanthanum
deposited thereon to the cerium contained in the activated alumina having cerium and
zirconium deposited thereon is preferable to be in the range of from 100 : 1 to 10
: 100, preferably from 100 : 5 to 10 : 100. If the proportion of the cerium oxide
is larger than 100 : 1, the produced catalyst betrays a decline in the NOx purifying
ability on the rich side. Conversely, if the proportion of the cerium in the refractory
inorganic oxide is larger than 10 : 100, the produced catalyst tends to be deficient
in performance.
[0037] In this invention, the catalytically active component which comprises of palladium,
an alkaline earth metal oxide, a cerium oxide, and a zirconium oxide may further incorporate
therein at least one member selected from the group consisting of silicon oxides and
titanium oxides for the purpose of producing an improved result.
[0038] The titanium oxide source is not particularly discriminated on account of the particular
kind of its starting material. To be used herein, it may be already in the form of
an oxide or it may be in the form of a watersoluble or water-insoluble salt which
is converted by calcining into an oxide.
[0039] Further, the titanium oxide may be used as combined with the oxide of at least one
element selected from the group consisting of silicon, zirconium, cerium, alkaline
earth metals, and aluminum.
[0040] The amount of the titanium oxide to be used is in the range of from 1 to 150 g, preferably
5 to 100 g, per liter of the catalyst. If this amount is less than 1 g, the effect
produced by the added titanium oxide is short of the level aimed at. Conversely, if
the amount exceeds 150 g, the excess brings about no proportionate addition to the
effect.
[0041] The use of the titanium oxide for the purpose mentioned above can be attained by
various methods such as, for example, (1) a method which comprises mixing the titanium
oxide itself with the other constituents of the catalytically active component, (2)
a method which comprises impregnating an activated alumina with an aqueous solution
of titanium thereby effecting deposition of titanium oxide on the refractory inorganic
oxide, (3) a method which comprises impregnating either or both of the cerium oxide
and zirconium oxide or a composite of the two oxides with an aqueous solution of titanium
thereby effecting deposition of titanium oxide thereon, and (4) a method which comprises
mixing the aqueous solution of titanium with the aqueous solution of an alkaline earth
metal oxide and drying and calcining the resultant mixture thereby producing a mixture
or composite.
[0042] The silicon oxide source is not specifically discriminated. For example, oxide sol
and various watersoluble salts which are enabled by firing to form silica can be used.
The use of the silicon oxide is attained by causing the aqueous solution mentioned
above to be deposited either selectively or otherwise on the activated alumina and
on the titanium oxide, cerium oxide, and zirconium oxide. The amount of the silicon
oxide to be used is in the range of from 0.05 to 50 g, preferably from 0.1 to 30 g,
per liter of the catalyst. If this amount is less than 0.05 g, the effect of the addition
of the silicon oxide is not obtained. Conversely, if the amount exceeds 50 g, the
excess brings about no proportionate addition to the effect.
[0043] In this invention, the catalytically active component which comprises palladium,
an alkaline earth metal oxide, a cerium oxide, and a zirconium oxide may further incorporate
therein the oxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of iron,
cobalt, and nickel for the purpose of further improving the result of use of the produced
catalyst.
[0044] The oxide of at least one element selected from the group of iron, cobalt, and nikcel
is not particularly discriminated. An oxide sol or water-soluble salt suitably selected
from the members defined above is deposited either selectively or otherwise on the
activated alumina or the cerium oxide or zirconium oxide. The amount of the oxide
to be used is in the range of from 0.1 to 20 g, preferably from 0.5 to 10 g, per liter
of the catalyst. If this amount is less than 0.1 g, the added oxide fails to manifest
the effect aimed at. Conversely, if the amount exceeds 20 g, the excess goes to impairing
the purifying ability of the produced catalyst.
[0045] The preparation of the catalyst is attained by various methods such as, for example,
(1) a method which comprises mixing a catalytically active component and an activated
alumina in respective whole amounts such as in a ball mill thereby forming an aqueous
slurry, coating a monolithic carrier with the aqueous slurry, then drying the resultant
wet composite, and optionally calcining the dry composite thereby producing a complete
catalyst, (2) a method which comprises preparatorily coating a monolithic carrier
with an activated alumina, immersing the coated carrier in the aqueous solution of
water-soluble cerium salt and zirconium salt, drying and calcining the impregnated
carrier, and subsequently effecting deposition of a catalytically active component
on the calcined composite by following the same procedure as above, and (3) a method
which comprises mixing a composite oxide and an activated alumina having necessary
components deposited thereon such as in a ball mill thereby forming an aqueous slurry,
coating a monolithic carrier with the aqueous slurry, then drying the resultant wet
composite, and optionally calcining the dried composite thereby producing a complete
catalyst. One of these methods may be properly selected and used with necessary modifications
to be made with due consideration to the convenience of procedure.
[0046] The amount of the catalytically active component to be used per liter of the monolithic
carrier is in the range of from 50 to 400 g, preferably from 100 to 350 g. If this
amount is less than 50 g, the produced catalyst is deficient in the purifying ability.
Conversely, if the amount exceeds 400 g, the disadvantage arises that the back pressure
generated when the monolithic carrier is coated with the catalytically active component
is suffered to increase to an unduly high level.
[0047] The incorporation of the lanthanum oxide in the catalytically active component can
be attained by various methods such as, for example, (1) a method which comprises
impregnating an activated alumina simultaneously with watersoluble cerium and zirconium
salts, drying the resultant wet composite, and calcining the dried composite, (2)
a method which comprises impregnating an activated alumina with a water-soluble cerium
salt thereby effecting deposition of the cerium salt on the oxide and then impregnating
the resultant composite with a water-soluble zirconium salt thereby effecting deposition
of the salt on the composite, and (3) a method which comprises impregnating an activated
alumina with a water-soluble zirconium salt thereby effecting deposition of the salt
on the oxide and then impregnating the resultant composite with a water-soluble cerium
salt thereby effecting deposition of the salt on the composite.
[0048] The carrier possessing a monolithic structure and used in this invention is generally
referred to as a "ceramic honeycomb carrier." Particularly, honeycomb carriers made
of such materials as cordierite, mullite, α-alumina, zirconia, titania, titanium phosphate,
aluminum titanate, petalite, spodumene, alumino-silicate, and magnesium silicate prove
preferable. The honeycomb carrier made of cordierite among other ceramic materials
proves especially suitable for the catalyst intended for the exhaust gas from the
internal-combustion engine. A carrier formed in one-piece structure of such a metal
as stainless steel or a Fe-Cr-Al alloy which is resistant to oxidation and proof against
heat can be used. The monolithic carrier is manufactured by the extrusion molding
technique or a method which comprises winding a sheet-like material into a tight roll.
The mouths for gas passage (cells) of the honeycomb carrier may be shaped in a hexagonal,
tetragonal, triangular, or corrugated cross section. The honeycomb carrier fulfils
its function with amply satisfactory results when it has a cell density (number of
cells/unit cross sectional area) in the range of from 150 to 600 cells/square inch.
[0049] The monolithic carrier which is coated with the catalytically active component and
an activated alumina, after the step of drying, is preferable to be calcined at a
temperature in the range of from 200 to 800°C, preferably from 300 to 700°C, for a
period in the range of from 0.1 to 5 hours, preferably from0.2 to 3 hours, to form
a complete catalyst.
[0050] The catalyst which is obtained as described above is inserted in a converter and
used for purifying the exhaust gas from the internal-combustion engine such as on
an automobile.
[0051] This catalyst may be used in an exhaust gas purifying system as a catalyst on the
exhaust gas inlet side, while a catalyst obtained by depositing on a a monolithic
carrier a mixture comprising a catalytically active component (a) rhodium and platinum
or (b) rhodium, platinum, and palladium and a refractory inorganic oxide is used in
the same system as a catalyst on the exhuast gas outlet side.
[0052] Conversely, the exhaust gas purifying system may use on the exhaust gas inlet side
thereof the catalyst obtained by depositing on a monolithic carrier a mixture comprising
a catalaytically active component comprising (a) rhodium and platinum or (b) rhodium,
platinum, and palladium and an refractory inorganic oxide and on the exhaust gas outlet
side thereof the catalyst of this invention mentioned above.
[0053] The precious metals to be contained in the precious metal catalyst which is used
in the exhaust gas purifying system mentioned above are (a) rhodium and platinum or
(b) rhodium, platinum, and palladium. The total amount of these precious metals to
be used in the catalyst is in the range of from 0.1 g to 10 g, preferably from 0.3
g to 5 g, per liter of the catalyst. If this amount is less than 0.1 g, the produced
precious metal catalyst is deficient in the purifying ability. Conversely, if the
amount exceeds 10 g, the excess sparingly brings about a proportionate addition to
the effect.
[0054] The refractory inorganic oxides which are effectively usable herein include activated
alumina, silica, titania, cerium oxide, zirconium oxide, and oxides of alkali metals,
alkaline earth metals, rare earth metals, iron, cobalt, and nickel, for example. These
refractory inorganic oxides may be added in the form of metal or a metal oxide, for
example. Activated alumina, cerium oxide, and zirconium oxide prove particularly desirable
among other examples cited above.
[0055] The amount of the activated alumina (c) to be used is in the range of from 10 g to
350 g, preferably from 10 g to 250 g, per liter of the catalyst.
[0056] The monolithic carrier to be used in the catalyst on the exhaust gas inlet side and
in the catalyst on the exhaust gas outlet side may be any of monolithic structures
generally used in exhaust gas purifying catalysts. The honeycomb type or corrugated
type monolithic structure is used. The material for the monolithic carrier has no
particular restriction except for the sole requirement that it should possess fireproofness.
For example, the monolithic carrier made of such a ceramic substance as cordierite
which possesses fireproofness or such a ferrite type metal as stainless steel can
be used.
[0057] The volumetric ratio of the catalyst on the exhaust gas inlet side to the catalyst
on the exhaust gas outlet side is in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 : 100, preferably
from 50 : 1 to 1 : 50. If this volumetric ratio is less than 100 : 1 or not less than
1 : 100, the improvement of the performance due to the combination of these two catalysts
is not manifested.
[0058] The catalyst on the exhaust gas inlet side and the catalyst on the exhaust gas outlet
side can be installed in one and the same catalytic converter. Otherwise, they may
be installed as suitably separated, depending on the shape of the exhaust gas pipe,
the shape of the catalyst, and so on.
[0059] The catalyst on the exhaust gas inlet side and the catalyst on the exhaust gas outlet
side each need not be limited to one piece. The catalyst on the exhaust gas inlet
side and the catalyst on the exhaust gas outlet side may be used each as divided into
a plurality of pieces, on the condition that this division should avoid inconveniencing
the design of the exhaust gas purifying system in terms of the shape of the exhaust
gas pipe, the selection of the position of the installation of catalyst, and the repression
of the increase of back pressure of the exhaust gas, for example.
[0060] Now, this invention will be described more specifically below with reference to working
examples. Of course, this invention may be practised otherwise without departing from
the spirit of this invention.
Example 1-1
[0061] Commercially available cerium oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g) and an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution were mixed in a CeO.2/ZrO.2 ratio
of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g). The resultant mixture was dried and then calcined at 500°C for one hour,
to produce a powder. In a ball mill, 100 g of the powder and an aqueous palladium
nitrate solution containing 200 g of activated alumina (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g), 16.7 g of barium acetate, and 4 g of palladium were pulverized to prepare an
aqueous slurry. A monolithic carrier (33 mm in outside diameter x 76 mm in length)
of cordierite possessing 400 cells per square inch of cross section was immersed in
the slurry, removed from the slurry, blown with compressed air to expel excess slurry
from within the cells, dried, and fired to obtain a complete catalyst.
Example 1-2
[0062] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 50.1 g.
Example 1-3
[0063] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, exceptthat
the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 0.83 g.
Example 1-4
[0065] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that 28.2 g of calcium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 1-5
[0066] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that 19.8 g of strontium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 1-6
[0067] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 30 g) and the amount of the activated alumina was changed to 270 g.
Example 1-7
[0068] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 160 g) and the amount of the activated alumina was changed to 140 g.
Example 1-8
[0069] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/3 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 1-9
[0070] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 25/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 1-10
[0071] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that 35.3 g of magnesium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 1-11
[0072] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 2 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 1-12
[0073] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitriate solution containing 8 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 1-13
[0074] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate containing 16 g of palladium was used in the place
of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 1-14
[0075] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 40 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 2-1
[0076] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 133.6 g.
Example 2-2
[0077] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 200 g) and the amount of the activated alumina was changed to 100 g.
Example 2-5
[0078] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 260 g) and the amount of the activated alumina was changed to 40 g.
Control 1-1
[0079] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the use of barium acetate was omitted.
Control 1-2
[0080] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate was omitted.
Control 1-3
[0081] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate and barium acetate was omitted.
Control 1-4
[0082] A complete catalyst was obtained by impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina
as used in Example 1 with a solution resulting from mixture of an aqueous platinum
dinitrodiamine solution containing 2.25 g of platinum with an aqueous rhodium nitrate
solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium thereby forming a powder having the solutes
deposited on the activated alumina, then pulverizing the powder and 100 g of the same
cerium oxide as used in Example 1-1 in a ball mill, and then subjecting the product
of pulverization to the procedure of Example 1-1. Control 1-5
[0083] A complete catalyst was obtained by impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina
as used in Example 1-1 with the mixture of an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
2.25 of palladium with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium,
drying the product of impregnation, calcining the dried composite to form a powder,
pulverizing the powder and 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 1-1 in
a ball mill, and subjecting the product of pulverization to the procedure of Example
1-1.
Control 1-6
[0084] A complete catalyst was obtained by pulverizing in a ball mill a solution resulting
from mixture of an aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution containing 2.25 g of platinum
with an aqueous rhodium nitriate solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium, a powder having
16.7 g of barium acetate deposited on 200 g of the same activated alumina as used
in Example 1-1, and 100 g of a powder obtained by mixing the same cerium oxide and
aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution as used in Example 1-1 in a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixture, and calcining the dry mixture at 500°C for
one hour, and subjecting the resultant pulverized mixture to the procedure of Example
1-1.
Control 1-7
[0085] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 1-1, except
that 100 g of zirconium oxide was used in the place of cerium oxide and zirconium
oxide.
[0086] The catalysts obtained in the working examples and controls described above were
tested for amount of catalytic component deposited per liter of catalyst. The results
are shown in Table 1.
Example 1-15
[0087] The catalysts of Examples 1-1 to 2-3 and the catalysts of Controls 1-1 to 1-7 were
tested for catalytic activity after use in an engine durability test.
[0088] The durability test was conducted by filling a multiconverter with sample catalysts,
connecting the multiconverter to an exhaust sytem of a commercially available electronic
control type engine (8 cylinders, 4,400 cc), and running the engine as prescribed.
The engine was operated in a pattern of 60 seconds steady operation and 6 seconds
reduced-speed operation (during the reduced-speed operation, the fuel supply was cut
off and the catalyst was exposed to the harsh conditions of high-temperature oxiding
atmosphere), with the catalysts left aging for 50 hours under such conditions that
the catalyst inlet gas temperature remained at 850°C during the steady operation.
[0089] The catalysts, after the aging, were tested for catalytic properties by filling a
multiconverter with the catalysts, connecting this multiconverter to an exhaust system
of a commercially available electronic control type engine (4 cylinders, 1,800 cc),
and running the engine as prescribed. They were tested for three-way performance under
the conditions of 400°C of catalyst inlet gas temperature and 90,000 hr⁻¹ of space
velocity. In this case, the average air/fuel ratio was continuously varied by introducing
a 1 Hz seine wave signal from an external oscillator to a control unit of the engine
thereby fluctuating the air/fuel (A/F) ratio to ± 1.0 at 1 Hz while analyzing catalyst
inlet and outlet gases simultaneously for composition thereby finding purifying ratios
of CO, HC, and NO over the range of average air/fuel (A/F) ratio between 15.1 and
14.1.
[0090] A three-way characteristic curve was obtained by plotting the purifying ratios of
CO, HC, and NO found as described above vs. the air/fuel ratios on a graph. The purifying
ratio at the intersection of the CO and NO purifying ratio curves (hereinafter referred
to as "crossover point"), the HC purifying ratio for the A/F value at that intersection,
and the CO, HC, and NO purifying capacities at the A/F value of 14.2 (the rich side
of the engine exhaust gas) are shown in Table 2.
[0091] It is clearly noted from Table 2 that the catalysts conforming to the teaching of
this invention containing only palladium and no rhodium as precious metal were capable
of simultaneously removing the three components, CO, HC, and NOx.
[0092] The catalysts were tested for purifying ability at low temperatures by connecting
a multiconverter filled with sample catalysts to an exhaust system of an engine, inserting
a heat exchanger in the exhaust system in front of the multiconverter, operating the
engine at a fixed average air/fuel ratio (A/F) of 14.6 while fluctuating the air/fuel
ratio (A/F) to ±0.5 at 1 Hz, continuously varying the catalyst inlet gas temperature
from 200°C to 500°C, and analyzing the catalyst inlet and outlet gases for composition,
and finding the CO, HC, and NO purifying ratios. The temperatures at which the CO,
HC, and NO purifying ratios were found to be 50% (light-off temperature) as described
above are shown in Table 3.
Example 2-4
[0093] The CeO
2 crystals were tested for diameter and oxygen consumption by the following procedure.
Example 2-A
[0094] The same cerium oxide and aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution as used in Example
1-1 were mixed at varying Ceo
2/ZrO
2 ratios of 100/4 (Sample No. a), 100/10 (Sample No. b), 100/30 (Sample No. c), and
100/50 (Sample No. d). The resultant mixtures were dried, calcined at 500°C, and then
calcined in the air at 900°C for 10 hours. In these samples, the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2 was invariably 20 g.
Example 2-B
[0095] An aqueous cerium nitrate solution and an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution were
mixed at a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 100/10 (Sample No. e). The resultant mixture was dried, fired at 500°C for
one hour, and then calcined in the air at 900°C for 10 hours.
Example 2-C
[0096] In the air, 20 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 1-1 was calcined at
900°C for 10 hours (Sample f for control).
Measurement of crystal diameter
[0097] The samples of Examples 2-A, 2-B, and 2-C were subjected to X-ray diffraction to
find diameters of cerium oxide crystals. The results are shown in Table 4. An object
of the measurement of crystal diameter resides in that although the catalyst is required
to be durability at high temperature, the durability at high temperature is difficult
to be evaluated only by a normal temperature treatment, so whether a composite of
cerium oxide and zirconium oxide at high temperature state is effective or not is
carried out for evaluation. As such condition, the catalyst is calcined in air at
900°C for 10 hours.
Determination of oxygen consumption
[0098] The samples obtained in Examples A, B, and C were tested for oxygen consumtion by
charging an ordinary flow type pulse reaction device with each sample, passing helium
gas through the sample, reducing the sample with hydrogen at 500°C for 30 minutes,
passing helium gas again through the sample for 15 minutes, cooling the sample in
the same atmosphere to 400°C, passing a prescribed amount of oxygen pulses through
the sample, measuring the amount of oxygen consumed during the passage through the
sample, and calculating the amount of oxygen consumed per gram of the cerium oxide.
The results are shown in Table 4.
[0099] The catalysts used for the determination of oxygen consumption were those obtained
in Examples 1-1, 1-8, 1-9, and Control 2. These catalysts were compared in catalytic
performance. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3. It is clearly noted from the
data of these tables that the catalysts using cerium oxides of high durability as
contemplated by this invention exhibited outstanding exhaust gas purifying ability.
[0100] It is further noted from Table 4 that the cerium oxides were stabilized by a zirconium
oxide in an atmosphere of oxygen at 900°C.
Preparation of catalyst
[0101] The catalyst obtained in Example 1-1 was finished as Complete Catalyst (I). Then,
Complete Catalyst (II) was obtained by wet pulverizing in a ball mill a powder having
200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 1-1 impregnated with a solution
resulting from mixture of an aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution containing 1.67
g of platinum with an aqueous rhodium nitriate solution containing 0.33 g of rhodium
and 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 1-1 and subjecting the product
of pulverization to the procedure described above.
Example 2-7
Example 3-1
[0103] A powder of the amount 100 g was obtained by mixing a commercially available cerium
oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area: 149 m
2/g) with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution in a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total amount of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixture, and calcining the dry mixture at 500°C for
1 hour. A powder of the amount 200 g was obtained by immersing 180 g of activated
alumina (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, specific surface area: 155 m
2/g) in an aqueous lanthanum acetate solution containing 20 g of lanthanum oxide, drying
the wet solid, and calcining the dry solid. A water-soluble slurry was prepared by
wet pulverizing the powders mentioned above, 16.7 g of barium acetate, and an aqueous
palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium in a ball mill. A monolithic
carrier of cordierite (33 mm in outside diameter x 76 mm in length) possessing 400
cells per square inch of cross-sectional area was immersed in the slurry, taken out
of the slurry, blown with compressed air to expel the excess slurry remaining within
the cells, dried, and calcined, to obtain a complete catalyst.
Example 3-2
[0104] A powder of the amount 120 g was obtained by mixing the same cerium oxide as used
in Example 3-1 with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution in a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), combining the resultant mixture with an aqueous lanthanum nitrate solution
containing 20 g of lanthanum oxide, drying the produced blend, and calcining the dry
blend at 500°C for 1 hour. A water-soluble slurry was prepared by wet pulverizing
in a ball mill the powder mentioned above, 180 g of activated alumina, and an aqueous
palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium. A monolithic carrier of cordierite
(33 mm in insideoutside diameter x 76 mm in length) possessing 400 cells per square
inch of cross-sectional area, taken out of the slurry, brown with compressed air to
expel the excess slurry remaining within the cells, dried, and calcined, to obtain
a complete catalyst.
Example 3-3
[0105] A powder of the amount 300 g was obtained by mixing 100 g of the powder of CeO
2/Zr.O
2 with 180 g of activated alumina, combining the resultant powder with an aqueous lanthanum
acetate solution containing 20 g of lanthanum oxide, drying the resultant solution,
and calcining the dry solid at 500°C for 1 hour. In the place of the slurry of Example
3-1, a water-soluble slurry was obtained by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the powder
mentioned above, 16.7 g of barium acetate, and an aqueous palladium nitrate solution
containing 4 g of palladium. A monolithic carrier of cordierite (33 mm in outside
diameter x 76 mm in length) possessing 400 cells per square inch of cross-sectional
area, taken out of the slurry, blown with compressed air to expel the excess slurry
remaining inside the cells, dried, and calcined to obtain a complete catalyst.
Example 3-4
[0106] A slurry was obtained by wet pulverizing in a ball mill 100 g of the same CeO
2ZrO
2 powder as obtained in Example 3-1, 180 g of activated alumina, an aqueous lanthanum
acetate solution containing 20 g of lanthanum oxide, 16.7 g of barium acetate, and
an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium. Then, a monolithic
carrier of cordierite (33 mm in outside diameter x 76 mm in length) possessing 400
cells per square inch of cross-sectional area was immersed in the slurry, taken out
of the slurry, blown with compressed air to expel the excess slurry from within the
cells, dried, and calcined to obtain a complete catalyst.
Example 3-5
[0107] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the amount of lanthanum oxide was changed from 20 g to 1 g.
Example 3-6
[0108] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the amount of lanthanum oxide was changed from 20 g to 90 g.
Example 3-7
[0109] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 133.6 g.
Example 3-8
[0110] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g of 0.83 g.
Example 3-9
[0111] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that 28.2 g of calcium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 3-10
[0112] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that 19.8 g of strontium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 3-11
[0113] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 30g).
Example 3-12
[0114] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the CeO
2/CrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 160 g).
Example 3-13
[0115] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the CeO
2/CrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/3 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 3-14
[0117] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 25/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 3-15
[0118] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that 35.3 g of magnesium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 3-16
[0119] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 2 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 3-17
[0120] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 8 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 8 g of palladium.
Example 3-18
[0121] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 16 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 3-19
[0122] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 40 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladiun nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 3-20
[0123] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that a ratio of CeO
2/ZrO
2 was changed to 10/1 (total of CeO
2 and ZrO
2 was 260g)
Control 3-1
[0124] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the use of barium acetate was omitted.
Control 3-2
[0125] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate was omitted.
Control 3-3
[0126] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate and barium acetate was omitted.
Control 3-4
[0127] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 3-1, except
that the use of lanthanum oxide was omitted.
Control 3-5
[0128] A complete catalyst was obtained by mixing an aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution
containing 2.25 g of platinum with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing
0.22 g of rhodium, impregnating 200 g of the same activated aluminum as used in Example
3-1 with the resultant mixed solution thereby obtaining a powder, wet pulverizing
the powder with 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 3-1 in a ball mill,
and thereafter subjecting the product of pulverization to the procedure of Example
3-1.
Control 3-6
[0129] A complete catalyst was obtained by mixing an aqueous palladium nitrate solution
containing 2.25 g of palladium with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing
0.22 g of rhodium, impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example
3-1 with the resultant mixed solution, drying the product of impregnation, and calcining
the dried solid thereby forming a powder, wet pulverizing the powder with 100 g of
the same cerium oxide as used in Example 3-1 in a ball mill, and thereafter subjecting
the product of pulverization to the procedure of Example 3-1.
Control 3-7
[0130] A complete catalyst was obtained by wet pulverizing in a ball mill a solution resulting
from mixture of an aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution containing 2.25 g of platinum
with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium, a powder having
200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 3-1 impregnated with 16.7 g
of barium acetate, and 100 g of a powder prepared by mixing the same cerium oxide
as used in Example 3-1 with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution in a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO.2 and CrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixture, and calcining the dried mixture at 500°C for
one hour and thereafter treating the product of wet pulverization in the same manner
as in Example 3-1.
[0131] Supporting amount of each catalytic components of the catalyst thus obtained in Examples
and Controls per liter of the catalyst are shown in Tabele 6 and Table 7.
Example 3-21
Example 4-1
(b) Cerium oxide having zirconium and lanthanum deposited thereon
[0133] A powder (b) was obtained by mixing 50 g of commercially available cerium oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area: 149 m
2/g) with an aqueous solution of zirconyl oxynitrate and lanthanum nitrate (containing
5 g of zirconium oxide and 10 g of lanthanum oxide), drying the resultant mixture,
and calcining the dry mixture at 500 °C for one hour.
(c) Refractory inorganic oxide having cerium and zirconium deposited thereon
[0134] A powder (c) was obtained by mixing 60 g of activated aluminum (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g) with an aqueous solution of cerium nitriate and zirconyl oxynitrate (containing
50 g of cerium oxide and 5 g of zirconium oxide), drying the resultant mixture, and
calcining the dried mixture at 500°C for 1 hour.
[0135] A water-soluble slurry was prepared by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the powders
(b) and (c) and barium acetate (20 g as barium oxide) and an aqueous palladium nitrate
solution containing 3 g of palladium. A monolithic carrier of cordierite (33 mm in
outside diameter x 76 mm in length) possessing 400 cells per square inch of cross-sectional
area was immersed in the slurry, taken out of the slurry, blown with compressed air
to expel the excess slurry remaining inside the cells, dried, and calcined to obtain
a complete catalyst.
Examples 4-2 to 4-8
[0136] Complete catalysts were obtained by following the procedure of Example 4-1, except
that the amounts of cerium oxide, zirconium oxide, and lanthanum oxide in the powder
(b) and the amounts of cerium oxide and zirconium oxide in the powder (c) were varied.
The catalysts consequently obtained in the examples were examined to determine the
amounts of catalyst components carried per liter of catalyst. The results are shown
in Table 10.
Examples 4-9 and 4-10
[0137] Complete catalysts were obtained by following the procedure of Example 4-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate (20 g as barium oxide) was changed to the amounts
(0.5 g and 40 g as barium oxide) respectively.
Examples 4-11 and 4-12
[0138] Complete catalysts were obtained by following the procedure of Example 4-1, except
that calcium acetate and strontium acetate (each 20 g as oxide) were used in the place
of barium acetate (20 g as barium oxide).
Examples 4-13 amd 4-14
[0139] Complete catalysts were obtained by following the procedure of Example 4-1, except
that the contents of cerium oxide and zirconium oxide in the powder (b) and the contents
of cerium oxide and zirconium oxide in the power (c) were varied.
Examples 4-15 and 4-16
[0140] Complete catalysts were obtained by following the procedure of Example 4-4, except
that the amount of palladium, 3 g, in the aqueous palladium nitrate solution was changed
to 10 g and 20 g respectively.
Control 4-1
[0141] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 4-4, except
that the use of barium acetate was omitted.
Control 4-2
[0142] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 4-4, except
that the use of lanthanum nitrate was-omitted.
Control 4-3
[0143] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 4-4, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate was omitted.
Control 4-4
[0145] A powder was obtained by mixing 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example
4-1 with an aqueous solution of zirconyl oxynitrate and lanthanum nitrate (10 g as
zirconium oxide and 10 g as lanthanum oxide), drying the resultant mixture, and calcining
the dried mixture at 500°C for 1 hour. A complete catalyst was produced by combining
this powder and 60 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 4-1, barium
acetate (20 g as barium oxide), and palladium nitrate containing 3 g of palladium
in the same manner as in Example 4-1.
Control 4-5
[0146] A powder was obtained by mixing 60 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example
4-1 with zirconyl oxynitrate and lanthanum nitrate (containing 100 g of cerium oxide,
10 g of zirconium oxide, and 10 g of lanthanum oxide), drying the resultant mixture,
and calcining the dried mixture at 500°C for 1 hour. A complete catalyst was produced
by combining this powder with barium acetate (20 g as barium oxide) and palladium
nitrate containing 3 g of palladium in the same manner as in Example 4-1.
Control 4-6
[0147] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution containing
2.25 g of platinum with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium
and immersing 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 4-1 in the resultant
mixed solution. A complete catalyst was produced by wet pulverizing in a ball mill
the powder and 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 4-1 and treating
the product of the wet pulverization in the same manner as in Example 4-1.
Control 4-7
[0148] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
2.25 g of palladium with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of
rhodium, impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 4-1 with
the resultant mixed solution, drying the product of impregnation, and calcining the
dried solid. A complete catalyst was produced by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the
powder with 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 4-1, and treating the
product of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 4-1.
[0149] Supporting amount of each catalytic components of the catalyst thus obtained in Examples
and Controls per liter of the catalyst are shown in Table 10.
Example 4-17
[0150] The catalysts obtained in Examples 4-1 to 4-16 and Controls 4-1 to 4-7 were tested
for catalytic activity after an engine durability test in the same manner as in Example
3-21. The results are shown in Table 11.

Example 5-1
[0151] A powder (CeO
2 ZrO
2) of the amount 100 g was obtained by mixing commercially available cerium oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g) with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution in a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixture, and calcining the dried mixture at 500 C for
one hour.
[0152] Then, a powder of the amount 100 g was obtained by immersing 196 g of activated alumina
(γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g) in a commercially available aqueous silica sol solution containing 4 g of silica,
drying the impregnated activated alumina, and calcining the resultant dried solid.
A watersoluble slurry was prepared by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the powder, 16.7
g of barium acetate, and an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
A monolithic carrier of cordierite (33 mm in outside diameter x 76 mm in length) possessing
400 cells per square inch of cross-sectional area was immersed in the slurry, removed
from the slurry, blown with compressed air to expel the excessive slurry from within
the cells, dried, and calcined to produce a complete catalyst.
Example 5-2
[0153] A powder of the amount 104 g was obtained by immersing 100 g of the same CeO
2 ZrO
2 powder as obtained in Example 5-1 in a commercially available aqueous silica sol
solution containing 4 g of silica, drying the resultant wet mixture, and calcining
the dried mixture. A water-soluble slurry was prepared by combining the powder with
196 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 5-1, 16.7 g of barium acetate,
and an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium in a ball mill.
This slurry was treated in the same manner as in Example 5-1, to produce a complete
catalyst.
Example 5-3
[0155] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the amount of silica was changed from 4 g to 60 g and the amount of activated
alumina from 196 g to 116 g.
Example 5-4
[0156] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the amount of silica was changed from 4 g to 0.4 g and the amount of activated
alumina from 196 g to 199.6 g.
Example 5-5
[0157] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 133.6 g.
Example 5-6
[0158] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 0.83 g.
Example 5-7
[0159] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that 28.2 g of calcium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 5-8
[0160] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that 19.8 g of strontium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 5-9
[0161] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 30 g).
Example 5-10
[0162] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 160 g).
Example 5-11
[0164] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/3 (the total weight of CeO
2 and CrO
2: 100 g).
Example 5-12
[0165] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 25/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 5-13
[0166] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that 35.3 g of magnesium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 5-14
[0167] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 2 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 5-15
[0168] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 16 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 5-16
[0169] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 40 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 5-17
[0170] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that a ratio of CeO
2/ZrO
2 was changed to 10/1 (total of CeO
2 and ZrO
2 was 260 g)
Control 5-1
[0172] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the use of silica was omitted.
Control 5-2
[0173] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the use of barium acetate was omitted.
Control 5-3
[0174] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate was omitted.
Control 5-4
[0175] A complete catalyst was obltained by following the procedure of Example 5-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate, barium acetate, and silica was omitted.
Control 5-5
[0176] An aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution containing 2.25 g of platinum was mixed
with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium. A powder was
obtained by impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 5-1
with the resultant mixed solution. A complete catalyst was obtained by wet pulverizing
the powder with 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 5-1 in a ball mill
and then treating the product of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 5-1.
Control 5-6
[0177] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
2.25 g of palladium with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of
rhodium, immerging 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 5-1 with
the resultant mixed solution, drying the product of impregnation, and calcining the
dried solid. A complete catalyst was produced by wet pulverizing the powder and 100
g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 5-1 in a ball mill and treating the
product of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 5-1.
[0178] Supporting amount of each catalytic components of the catalyst thus obtained in Examples
and Controls per liter of the Catalyst are shown in Table 12.
Example 5-18
[0179] Then, the catalysts of Examples 5-1 to 5-17 and the catalysts of Control 5-1 to 5-6
were tested for catalytic activity after an engine durability test in the same manner
as in Example 3-21. The results are shown in Table 13.

Example 6-1
[0180] A powder of the amount 100 g was obtained by mixing a commercially available cerium
oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g) with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution at a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixture, and calcining the dried mixture at 500°C for
1 hour. A water-soluble slurry was prepared by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the
powder, 100 g of titanium oxide (specific surface area 50 m
2/g), 100 g of activated alumina (γ-Al2O3, average particle diameter 45 µm, specific
surface area 155 m
2/g), 16.7 g of barium acetate, and an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
4 g of palladium. A monolithic carrier of cordierite (33 mm in outside diameter x
76 mm in length) possessing 400 cells per square inch of cross-sectional area was
immersed in the slurry, taken out of the slurry, blown with compressed air to expel
the excess slurry remaining within the cells, dried, and calcined to obtain a complete
catalyst.
Example 6-2
[0181] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the amount of titanium oxide was changed to 20 g and the amount of the activated
alumina was changed to 180 g.
Example 6-3
[0182] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the amount of titanium oxide was changed to 180 g and the amount of the activated
alumina was changed to 20 g.
Example 6-4
[0183] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the specific surface area of titanium oxide was changed to 10 m
2/g.
Example 6-5
[0185] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 133.6 g.
Example 6-6
[0186] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 0.83 g.
Example 6-7
[0187] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that 28.2 g of calcium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 6-8
[0188] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that 19.8 g of strontium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 6-9:
[0189] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 15 g).
Example 6-10
[0190] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 160 g).
Example 6-11
[0191] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/3 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 6-12
[0192] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 25/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 6-13
[0194] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that 35.3 g of magnesium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 6-14
[0195] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 2 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 6-15
[0196] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 16 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 6-16
[0197] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 40 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 6-17
[0198] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that a ratio of CeO
2/ZrO
2 was changed to 10/1 ( total of CeO
2 and ZrO
2 was 260 g ).
Control 6-1
[0199] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the use of barium acetate was omitted.
Control 6-2
[0200] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the use of titanium oxide was omitted.
Control 6-3
[0202] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 6-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate was omitted.
Control 6-4
[0203] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
2.25 g of palladium with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of
rhodium, immersing 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 6-1 in the
resultant mixed solution, drying the product of immersion, and calcining the dried
solid. A complete catalyst was produced by wet pulverizing the powder and 100 g of
the same cerium oxide as used in Example 6-1 in a ball mill and treating the product
of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 6-1.
Control 6-5
[0204] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution containing
2.25 g of platinum with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium
and impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 6-1 with the
resultant mixed solution. A complete catalyst was produced by wet pulverizing the
powder and 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 6-1 in a ball mill and
treating the product of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 6-1.
[0205] Supporting amount of each catalytic components of the catalyst thus obtained in Examples
and Controls per liter of the catalyst are shown in Table 14.
Example 6-18
[0206] The catalysts of Examples 6-1 to 6-17 and the catalysts of Controls 6-1 to 6-5 were
tested for catalytic activity after an engine durability test in the same manner as
in Example 3-21. The results are shown in Table 15.

Example 7-1
[0207] A powder (CeO
2 ZrO
2) of the amount 100 g was obtained by mixing a commercially available cerium oxide
(CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g) with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution at a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixture, and calcining the dried mixture at 500°C for
1 hour. An aqueous slurry was prepared by wet pulverizing in a ball mill this powder,
100 g of titanium oxide (specific surface area 50 m
2/g), 96 g of activated alumina (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g), an aqueous silica sol containing 4 g as silica, an aqueous palladium nitrate
solution containing 4 g of palladium, and 16.7 g of barium acetate. A monolithic carrier
of cordierite (33 mm in outside diameter and 76 mm in length) possessing 400 cells
per square inch of cross-sectional area was immersed in the slurry, taken out of the
slurry, blown with compressed air to expel the excess slurry retained within the cells,
dried, and calcined to obtain a complete catalyst.
Example 7-2
[0208] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the amount of titanium oxide was changed to 20 g and the amount of the activated
aluminum was changed to 176 g.
Example 7-3
[0209] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the amount of titanium oxide was changed to 180 g and the amount of the activated
alumina was changed to 16 g.
Example 7-4
[0210] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that titanium oxide (specific surface area: 10 m
2/g) was used in the place of titanium oxide (specific surface area: 50 m
2/g).
Example 7-5
[0212] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the amount of silica was changed to 60 g and the amount of the activated alumina
was changed to 36 g.
Example 7-6
[0213] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the amount of silica was changed to 0.4 g and the amount of the activated alumina
was changed to 99.6 g.
Example 7-7
[0214] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 133.6 g.
Example 7-8
[0215] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 0.83 g.
Example 7-9
[0216] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that 28.2 g of calcium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 7-10
[0217] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that 19.8 g of strontium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 7-11
[0218] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 30 g).
Example 7-12
[0219] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 160 g).
Example 7-13
[0221] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/3 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 7-14
[0222] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 25/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 7-15
[0223] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7- 1, except
that 35. 3 g of magnesium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 7-16
[0224] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 2 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 7-17
[0225] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 16 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 16 g of palladium.
Example 7-18
[0226] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 40 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 7-19
[0227] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that a ratio of CeO
2/ZrO
2 was changed to 10/1 ( total of CeO
2 and ZrO
2 was 260 g ).
Control 7-1
[0229] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the use of barium acetate was omitted.
Control 7-2
[0230] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the use of titanium oxide was omitted.
Control 7-3
[0231] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the use of silica was omitted.
Control 7-4
[0232] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 7-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate was omitted.
Control 7-5
[0233] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
2.25 g of palladium with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of
rhodium, impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 7-1 with
the resultant mixed solution, drying the product of impregnation, and calcining the
dried solid. A complete catalyst was produced by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the
powder and 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 7-1 and treating the
product of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 7-1.
Control 7-6
[0234] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution containing
2.25 g of platinum with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium
and impregnating 100 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 7-1 with the
resultant mixed solution. A complete catalyst was obtained by wet pulverizing in a
ball mill the powder and 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 7-1 and
treating the product of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 7-1.
[0235] Supporting amount of each catalytic components of the catalyst thus obtained in Examples
and Controls per liter of the catalyst are shown in Table 16.
Example 7-20
[0236] The catalysts of Examples 7-1 to 7-19 and the catalysts of Controls 7-1 to 7-6 were
tested for catalytic activity after an engine durability test in the same manner as
in Examples 3-21. The results are shown in Table 17.

Example 8-1
[0237] A powder of the amount 100 g was obtained by mixing a commercially available cerium
oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g) with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution in a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixture, and calcining the dried mixture at 500°C for
one hour. This powder and 190 g of an activated alumina (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g) were immersed in an aqueous ferric nitrate solution containing 10 g as iron oxide.
The product of immersion was dried and calcined at 500°C for 1 hour. A water-soluble
slurry was prepared by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the resultant powder, 16.7 g
of barium acetate, and an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
A monolithic carrier of cordierite (33 mm in outside diameter x 76 mm in length) possessing
400 cells per square inch of cross-sectional area was immersed in the slurry, taken
out of the slurry, blown with compressed air to expel the excessive slurry remaining
within the cells, then dried, and calcined, to produce a complete catalyst.
Example 8-2
[0238] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that cotalt nitrate (10 g as cobalt oxide) was used in the place of the ferric nitrate
(10 g as iron oxide).
Example 8-3
[0239] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that nickel nitrate (10 g as nickel oxide) was used in the place of the ferric nitrate
(10 g as iron oxide).
Example 8-4
[0240] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that ferric nitrate (0.2 g as iron oxide) was used in the place of the ferric nitrate
(10 g as iron oxide).
Example 8-5
[0241] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that ferric nitrate (40 g as iron oxide) was used in the place of the ferric nitriate
(10 g as iron oxide).
Example 8-6
[0242] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 133.6 g.
Example 8-7
[0243] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate was changed from 16.7 g to 0.83 g.
Example 8-8
[0244] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that 28.2 g of calcium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 8-9
[0245] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that 19.8 g of strontium acetate was used in the place of barium acetate.
Example 8-10
[0246] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 30 g).
Example 8-11
[0247] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 160 g).
Example 8-12
[0248] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 10/3 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 8-13
[0249] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio was changed to 25/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 8-14
[0250] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 2 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 8-15
[0251] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, excepting
an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 16 g of palladium was used in the
place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 8-16
[0252] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 40 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium.
Example 8-17
[0253] A complete catalyst was obtained by the following procedure of Example 8-1, except
that ratio of CeO
2/ZrO
2 was changed to 10/1 (Total of CeO
2 and ZrO
2 was 260g).
Control 8-1
[0254] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the use of iron oxide was omitted.
Control 8-2
[0255] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the use of barium acetate was omitted.
Control 8-3
[0257] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 8-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate was omitted.
Control 8-4
[0258] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
2.25 g of palladium with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of
rhodium, impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 8-1 with
the resultant mixed solution, drying the product of immersion, and calcining the dried
solid. A complete catalyst was obtained by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the resultant
powder and 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 8-1 and treating the
product of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 8-1.
Control 8-5
[0259] A powder was obtained by mixing an aqueous platinum dinitrodiamine solution containing
2.25 g of platinum with an aqueous rhodium nitrate solution containing 0.22 g of rhodium
and impregnating 200 g of the same activated alumina as used in Example 8-1 with the
resultant mixed solution. A complete catalyst was produced by wet pulverizing in a
ball mill the powder and 100 g of the same cerium oxide as used in Example 8-1 and
treating the product of pulverization in the same manner as in Example 8-1.
[0260] Supporting amount of each catalytic components of the catalyst thus obtained in Examples
and Controls per liter of the catalyst are shown in Table 18.
Example 8-18
[0261] The catalysts obtained in Examples 8-1 to 8-17 and the catalysts obtained in Controls
8-1 to 8-5 were tested for catalytic activity after an engine durability test in the
same manner as in Example 3-21. The results are shown in Table 19.

Example 9-1
Catalyst on exhaust gas inlet side:
[0262] A powder of the amount 200 g was obtained by mixing a commercially available cerium
oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g) with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution in a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixture, and calicining the dried mixture at 500°C
for 1 hour. An aqueous slurry was prepared by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the powder,
400 g of activated alumina (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g), 33.4 g of barium acetate, and an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
12 g of palladium. A complete catalyst was produced by immersing 0.5 liter of monolithic
carrier of cordierite possessing 400 cells per square inch of cross-sectional area
in the slurry, removing the carrier, blowing the wet carrier thereby expelling the
excessive slurry remaining within the cells, drying the carrier, and calcining the
dried carrier. Catalyst on exhaust gas outlet side:
[0263] A powder was obtained by impregnating 400 g of an activated alumina (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g) with an aqueous nitric acid solution of platinum dinitrodiamine containing 3.33
g of platinum and rhodium nitrate containing 0.667 g of rhodium, drying the product
of impregnation, and firing the dried solid at 400°C for two hours. An aqueous slurry
was prepared by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the powder and 200 g of a commercially
available cerium oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g). A complete catalyst was produced by immersing 0.5 liter of monolithic carrier
of cordierite possessing 400 cells per square inch of crosssectional area, removing
the carrier, blowing the wet carrier with compressed air thereby expelling the excessive
slurry remaining within the cells, drying the wet carrier, and calcining the dried
carrier.
Example 9-2
[0264] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that the amount of the barium acetate in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst was changed
from 33.4 g to 267.2g.
Example 9-3
[0265] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that the amount of the barium acetate in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst was changed
from 33.4 g to 1.66 g.
Example 9-4
[0266] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that 56.4 g of calcium acetate was used in the place of the barium acetate in the
exhaust gas inlet side catalyst.
Example 9-5
[0267] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that 39.6 g of strontium acetate was used in the place of the barium acetate in the
exhaust gas inlet side catalyst.
Example 9-6
[0268] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst was changed to 10/1 (the total weight
of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 60 g) and the amount of the activated alumina was changed to 540 g.
Example 9-7
[0269] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, excepting
the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst was changed to 10/1 (the total weight
of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 320 g) and the amount of the activated alumina was changed to 280 g.
Example 9-8
[0270] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, excepting
the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst was changed to 10/3 (the total weight
of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 200 g).
Example 9-9
[0271] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 19-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst was changed to 25/1 (the total weight
of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 9-10
[0272] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that 70.6 g of magnesium acetate was used in the place of the barium acetate in the
exhaust gas inlet side catalyst.
Example 9-11
[0273] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 12 g of palladium in
the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst.
Example 9-12
[0274] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 32 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 12 g of palladium in
the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst.
Example 9-13
[0275] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 80 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 12 g of palladium in
the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst.
Example 9-14
[0276] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that an aqueous nitric acid solution of platinum dinitrodiamine containing 1.67 g
of platinum and palladnium nitrate containing 1.67 g of palladium were used in the
place of 3.33 g of platinum in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst.
Example 9-15
[0277] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that a ratio of CeO
2/ZrO
2 was changed to 10/1 (total of CeO
2 and ZrO
2 was 520g) and amount of activated alumina was 80g.
Control 9-1
[0278] The procedure of Example 9-1 was repeated, except that the exhaust gas inlet side
catalyst was equalized with the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst.
Control 9-2
[0279] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that the use of barium aceatate in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst was omitted.
Control 9-3
[0280] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst was omitted.
Control 9-4
[0281] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 9-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate and the use of barium acetate in the exhaust gas
inlet side catalyst were omitted.
[0282] Supporting amount of each catalytic components of the catalyst thus obtained in Example
and Controls per liter of the catalyst are shown in Table 20.
Example 9-16
[0283] The catalysts of Examples 9-1 to 9-15 and the catalysts of Controls 9-1 to 9-4 were
tested for catalytic activity after an engine durability test in the same manner as
in Example 3-21. The results are shown in Table 21.

Example 10-1
Catalyst on exhaust gas inlet side:
[0284] A powder was obtained by impregnating 400 g of an activated alumina (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g) with an aqueous nitric acid solution of platinum dinitrodiamine containing 3.33
g of platinum and rhodium nitrate containing 0.667 g of rhodium, drying the product
of impregnation, and calicining the dried solid at 400°C for 2 hours. An aqueous slurry
was prepared by wet pulverizing in a ball mill the powder and 200 g of a commercially
available cerium oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g). A complete catalyst was produced by immersing 0.5 liter of monolithic carrier
of cordierite possessing 400 cells per square inch of crosssectional area in the slurry,
removing the carrier, blowing the wet carrier thereby expelling the excessive slurry
remaining within the cells, drying the wet carrier, and calicining the dried carrier.
Catalyst on exhaust gas outlet side:
[0285] A powder of the amount 200 g was obtained by mixing a commercially available cerium
oxide (CeO
2, specific surface area 149 m
2/g) with an aqueous zirconyl oxynitrate solution in a CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio of 10/1 (the total weight of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g), drying the resultant mixed solution, and calcining the fired mixture at
500°C for 1 hour. An aqueous slurry was prepared by wel pulverizing in a ball mill
the powder, 400 g of an activated alumina (γ-Al
2O
3, average particle diameter 45 µm, and specific surface area 155 m
2/g), 33.4 g of barium acetate, and an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing
12 g of palladium. A complete catalyst was produced by immersing 0.5 liter of monolithic
carrier of cordierite possessing 400 cells per square inch of cross-sectional area
in the slurry, removing the carrier, blowing the wet carrier with compressed air thereby
expelling the excessive slurry remaining within the cells, drying the wet carrier,
and calicining the dried carrier.
Example 10-2
[0286] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst was changed
from 33.4 g to 267.2 g.
Example 10-3
[0287] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that the amount of barium acetate in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst was changed
from 33.4 g to 1.66 g.
Example 10-4
[0288] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that 56.4 g of calcium acetate was used in the place of the barium acetate in the
exhaust gas outlet side catalyst.
Example 10-5
[0289] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that 39.6 g of strontium acetate was uded in the place of the barium acetate in the
exhaust gas outlet side catalyst.
Example 10-6
[0290] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst was changed to 10/1 (the total weight
of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 60 g) and the amount of the activated alumina was changed to 540 g.
Example 10-7
[0291] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst was changed to 10/1 (the total weight
of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 320 g) and the amount of the activated alumina was changed to 280 g.
Example 10-8
[0293] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
taht the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst was changed to 10/3 (the total weight
of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 200 g).
Example 10-9
[0294] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that the CeO
2/ZrO
2 ratio in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst was changed to 25/1 (the total weight
of CeO
2 and ZrO
2: 100 g).
Example 10-10
[0295] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that 70.6 g of magnesium acetate was used in the place of the barium acetate in the
exhaust gas outlet side catalyst.
Example 10-11
[0296] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
taht an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 4 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium acetate solution containing 12 g of palladium in
the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst.
Example 10-12
[0297] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 32 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 12 g of palladium in
the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst.
Example 10-13
[0298] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that an aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 80 g of palladium was used in
the place of the aqueous palladium nitrate solution containing 12 g of palladium in
the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst.
Example 10-14
[0300] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that an aqueous nitric acid solution of platinum dinitrodiamine containing 1.67 g
of platinum and palladium nitrate containing 1.67 g of palladium were used in the
place of 3.33 g of the platinum in the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst.
Example 10-15
[0301] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that a ratio of CeO
2/ZrO
2 was changed to 10/1 (total of CeO
2 and ZrO
2 was 520g) and an amount of activated alumina was changed to 80g)
Control 10-1
[0302] The procedure of Example 10-1 was repeated, except that the exhaust gas outlet side
catalyst was equallized with the exhaust gas inlet side catalyst.
[0304] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that the use of the barium acetate in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst was omitted.
Control 10-3
[0305] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate in the exhaust gas outlet side catalyst was omitted.
Control 10-4
[0306] A complete catalyst was obtained by following the procedure of Example 10-1, except
that the use of zirconyl oxynitrate and the use of barium acetate in the exhaust gas
outlet side catalyst were omitted.
[0307] Supporting amount of each catalytic components of the catalyst thus obtained in Examples
and Controls per liter of the catalyst are shown in Table 22.
[0308] The catalysts of Examples 10-1 to 10-15 and the catalysts of Controls 10-1 to 10-4
were tested for catalytic activity after an engine durability test in the same manner
as in Example 3-21. The results are shown in Table 23.
